Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), ornamental garden plant of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), grown for its showy spherical flower clusters. Globe amaranth is native to Guatemala, Panama, and Brazil and is cultivated around the world. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and are often dried and preserved for crafts and flower arrangements.

Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa).

Forest and Kim Starr/U.S. Geological Survey

Globe amaranth is an annual plant that reaches 30–90 cm (1–3 feet) in height. The leaves are simple with entire margins and are arranged oppositely along the reddish stems. A prolific bloomer, the plant continually produces dense round flower clusters on long stalks throughout the summer and fall. The minute flowers lack true petals but have red, pink, purple, orange, or white bracts.

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amaranth family of flowering plants (order Caryophyllales) with about 175 genera and more than 2,500 species, mostly herbs and subshrubs, distributed nearly worldwide. A number of species, including beets and quinoa, are important food crops, and several are cultivated as garden ornamentals.

any of 14,000 species of insects belonging to four families. Butterflies, along with the moths and the skippers, make up the insect order Lepidoptera. Butterflies are nearly worldwide in their distribution.

Any plant that completes its life cycle in a single growing season. The dormant seed is the only part of an annual that survives from one growing season to the next. Annuals include many weeds, wildflowers, garden flowers, and vegetables. See also biennial, perennial.